3.5-Hour Guided Bike Loop

Overview

This guided ride starts at Cycle Hiroshima's base in Otemachi, central Hiroshima, with a short orientation and a bike fitting. From there the group rolls along the riverside paths to Peace Memorial Park, where the guide walks everyone through the monuments commemorating the atomic bombing of August 6th, 1945, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is time to ask questions while the guide explains how the city rebuilt itself as a place dedicated to peace.

The loop then heads north to Gokoku Jinja, a popular Shinto shrine in the city, before passing through the grounds of Hiroshima Castle for a look at its samurai-era history. The last major stop is Shukkei-en Garden, an Edo period landscape garden that the listing describes as the most celebrated traditional garden in western Japan. Entry to the garden is included in the tour price.

The route is completely flat, which makes it workable for anyone who can ride a bike and meets the listed participation requirements. Groups run to a maximum of 8 travellers, and the fleet includes Trek bikes in several sizes plus step-throughs, e-bikes and child-sized bikes. Reviewers often describe the pace as easy and the guiding as knowledgeable. Riders who want a relaxed, informative loop of the main sights in a single outing are the clearest fit here.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Cycle HiroshimaThe group gathers at Cycle Hiroshima HQ in Otemachi, Naka Ward, for a short orientation and bike fitting before setting off.
2. Riverside rideThe tour begins with a relaxed ride along the river toward the city's Peace Memorial Park.
3. Peace Memorial ParkThe guide covers the key monuments commemorating the atomic bombing of August 6th, 1945, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with time for questions.
4. Gokoku Jinja shrineHeading north, the group stops at the most popular Shinto shrine in the city.
5. Hiroshima Castle groundsThe route passes through the castle grounds for a look into the days of the samurai.
6. Shukkei-en GardenThe final stop is this Edo period garden, regarded in the listing as the most beautiful traditional garden in western Japan. Entry is included.
7. Return to baseThe ride loops back to Cycle Hiroshima HQ, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this ride, from bike choice to what the weather means for your booking.

• Flat and easy pace. The route is completely flat, and reviewers repeatedly describe the riding as easygoing and well paced. Anyone comfortable on a bike and meeting the listed participation requirements can manage it.
• Bike options. The fleet includes Trek bikes in a range of sizes, plus step-throughs, e-bikes and child-sized bikes. One reviewer noted you can choose your type of bike at the start, so families and less confident riders have options.
• Small groups. The listing caps the tour at 8 travellers. Several reviewers mention attentive guiding, and one pair said they had the guide to themselves, though private treatment is not promised.
• What is provided. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, bike and helmet rental, bottled water and entry to Shukkei-en Garden. One reviewer said rain coats are handed out if needed.
• Clothing. The listing recommends comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. One reviewer also appreciated the guide's tips on staying hydrated and finding shade, useful in warmer months.
• Weather dependency. The experience requires good weather, and the listing states that a cancellation for poor weather comes with an offer of a different date or a full refund. Check the forecast and know your options before booking.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so travellers make their own way to the meeting point in Otemachi. Alcoholic drinks and tips are not included. One reviewer flagged bike maintenance and on-the-spot seat adjustments as areas that could be better, and one reviewer reported a run that went longer than planned, so it is worth leaving some slack in your schedule. Weather cancellations are possible given the outdoor nature of the ride.

Common Questions